1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to education finance; creating a grant program to support activities to close 
1.3 	the literacy gap in Minnesota's public schools; requiring a report; appropriating 
1.4 	money.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
 1.7 		Subdivision 1.Commissioner of education. The sums indicated in this section are 
1.8 	appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of education for the fiscal years 
1.9 	designated.
1.10 		Subd. 2.Closing the literacy gap. (a) For a grant to the Literacy Matters Foundation 
1.11 	for activities designed to close the literacy gap through teacher support and improving 
1.12 	reading proficiency for students of color:

1.13		$
	500,000
	.....
	2021
	
1.14 	(b) The Literacy Matters Foundation must use the funds appropriated in this section to 
1.15 	support classroom teachers in public schools where students are performing below the 
1.16 	statewide average reading achievement levels. Funds must be used for programs providing 
1.17 	individualized learning experiences for students using multisensory technology in building 
1.18 	memory of foundational reading, writing, and spelling skills. The foundation must also 
1.19 	provide geographic diversity when choosing schools for its programming.
1.20 	(c) To the extent practicable, the Literacy Matters Foundation's grant-funded activities 
1.21 	must be focused on programs for underserved students and students of color and American 
1.22 	Indian students in kindergarten through third grade.
2.1 	(d) By January 15 of each year, the Literacy Matters Foundation must prepare and submit 
2.2 	a report to the education committees of the legislature describing the programs offered, 
2.3 	program outcomes, and the students served.
2.4 	(e) This appropriation is available until June 30, 2023.